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How to water your lawn during
the dry summer when water
restrictions are in place
• Water your lawn once a week for only one hour or
twice a week for 1/2 hour
A lawn only needs about one inch of water per
week – use a small container to measure
• Know when to water
Want a great lawn
this summer?
Even with water
restrictions?
Walk on the lawn – if it springs back, no water is
required, or put a screwdriver into the lawn – if
the top two inches of the lawn is dry, then water
• Water in the early morning
This is the best time to minimize water lost
through evaporation and wind
Evening watering leaves the grass wet for longer
periods of time, increasing the risk of disease.
• Water only the lawn
Check your sprinkler to ensure you are watering
the lawn and not the road or sidewalk.
• Don’t over water
Too much water saturates the soil leading to
poor soil aeration and weakening of grass,
making it vulnerable to disease and invasion of
weeds.
For more information, visit our website:
www.chilliwack.com
Or contact us at:
Engineering Department
City of Chilliwack
8550 Young Road
Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4
Telephone: 604.793.2907
Find out how to
maintain your lawn,
save water,
and save money!
Here’s how you can maintain your lawn,
save water, and save money!
Start with a healthy lawn first
Lawns fail during dry spells because they weren’t
healthy to begin with. The main problem is
compacted soil.
Act before dry spells and water restrictions
What to do this summer
during the dry spells
• Let your lawn turn brown
It will recover in the fall when the regular rains
resume
• De-thatch your lawn
• Mow high
Mow your lawn when the grass is 6 – 8 cm
(2 1/2 – 3 inches) high
This develops a deep extensive root system
and better retains moisture
• Aerate your lawn
• Keep mower blade sharp
A dull blade tears the grass causing more
moisture loss
Use a heavy rake or de-thatcher on your
mower to get rid of dead grass and roots that
prevent water, air, and nutrients from getting
to the roots and harbouring harmful insects
Use an aerator to create holes in your lawn
For better flow of water, air, and nutrients to
the roots
• Spread 3/8 inches of sand on your lawn to
improve aeration
• Get soil tested for acidity and nutrients at local
garden centres
• Spread the appropriate amount of lime on your
lawn to reduce acidity
• Follow a fertilization program to encourage
deep rooting and drought tolerance
• Mow the lawn without the bag
Leave lawn clippings on the lawn to retain
moisture
• Avoid over fertilization
Too much fertilization requires more moisture
for your lawn and requires more cutting
• Keep weeds out
Water hungry weeds soak up water so pull
them or use a spot weed killer